Parents raise concerns over proposed synthetic turf at 6 Sunnyvale schools

Parents and advocates in the Sunnyvale School District are increasingly worried about a proposal to replace natural playground surfaces with synthetic turf at six elementary schools. They raise alarms about the potential health risks associated with heat retention and the presence of harmful chemicals like PFAS, which the EPA warns may have adverse effects on both human and animal health. Parent Cortney Jansen emphasizes the importance of safe play environments for children, noting that their developing bodies may be particularly susceptible to these dangers. Community groups, such as Mothers Out Front Silicon Valley, are advocating for safer alternatives, including engineered wood fibers, which they believe are easier to maintain and less harmful. The Sunnyvale School District acknowledges the community's concerns and is reviewing both synthetic turf and wood chips, recommending PFAS-free options based on their analysis.

Despite this, parents remain skeptical, arguing that even PFAS-free turf may contain similar chemicals that lack sufficient testing. Susan Hinton from the Loma Prieta Sierra Club warns about the environmental impact of synthetic turf, including plastic pollution from broken turf blades. The district's Board of Trustees plans to address the project bids at an upcoming meeting, as community opposition continues to grow.